Ann Oto Rhinol Laryn
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Ann Oto Rhinol Laryn · Jun 2013
Case ReportsBalloon dilation complication during the treatment of subglottic stenosis: background of the FDA class 1 recall for the 18 x 40-mm Acclarent Inspira AIR balloon dilation system.
Balloon dilation for subglottic stenosis allows for a controlled radial expansion of the airway and is considered superior to older techniques of airway dilation. We report the case of a 39-year-old woman with idiopathic subglottic stenosis who had entrapment of an inflated balloon in her subglottis due to device failure while undergoing balloon dilation of the stenotic area. ⋯ This is the first report describing a dislodged inflated balloon in the subglottis as a complication of dilation for idiopathic subglottic stenosis. Awareness of this possibility, as well as preparedness with the proper instruments, is vital for prevention of a catastrophic emergency during an otherwise low-risk procedure.